assyria - weapons and warfare Flashcards
What was the structure of the Assyrian Empire?
The Assyrian Empire was composed of one central empire with vassal states, and it established a model for military organization that would be copied in the future.
What military innovation is Assyria known for?
Assyria created the world’s first professional standing army, known for its ruthlessness and pragmatism.
What was the role of the Assyrian king in society?
The Assyrian king held both religious and political power, making him the most powerful figure in the empire.
How were Assyrian women and slaves regarded in society?
Women had a low social standing, and while slavery existed, it was not the mainstay of the Assyrian economy.
Who was Ashurbanipal and what happened after his reign?
Ashurbanipal was the last ruler to successfully maintain the empire’s boundaries. After his reign, the empire collapsed due to his sons’ inability to rule effectively.
What sources provide information about Assyrian history and warfare?
Archaeological excavations at Nineveh, Assyrian inscriptions from the libraries of kings, and references in the Bible provide information about Assyrian history and military campaigns.
What did Assyrian reliefs typically depict?
Assyrian reliefs at Nineveh often depicted kings, their military plans, and scenes of soldiers using siege engines, climbing city walls, and capturing prisoners.
What reforms did Tiglath-Pileser III introduce to the Assyrian military?
Tiglath-Pileser III created the world’s first professional standing army, replacing the previous part-time army of farmers with hired soldiers from provinces and vassal states.
How was the Assyrian infantry organized?
The infantry was the mainstay of the army, consisting of light and heavy corps based on the amount and type of armor worn. They used iron weapons, including swords, spears, and maces. The main troops were spearmen, archers and slingers.
What role did archers play in the Assyrian army + what armour did they wear?
Archers were a versatile and mobile force, using composite bows. Light archers wore kilts, while heavy archers wore scale armor and conical helmets.
What was the function of the chariotry in the Assyrian army?
The chariotry was an elite corps, using two-wheeled chariots driven by horses. Archers would shoot from moving chariots or dismount to fire, protected by shield bearers.
How did cavalry develop in the Assyrian army?
Initially, cavalry riders were mostly archers with attendants, but over time, riders improved their horsemanship and cavalry became a core part of the army.
What roles did engineers play in Assyrian military campaigns?
Engineers were responsible for building roads and camps, constructing siege works like ramps and tunnels, and creating ladders and bridges for attacking enemy cities.
How was the Assyrian military politically, socially, and economically significant?
Politically, the army protected Assyria and suppressed rebellions. Socially, it spread the influence of the Assyrian god, Assur. Economically, it brought wealth through captured booty and tributes.
What methods of psychological warfare did the Assyrians use?
The Assyrians used extreme violence, including flaying, burning, and impaling leaders, destroying the countryside, and mass killings of civilians to instill fear and prevent rebellion.
